phil ginsberg is general manager with san francisco rec and park district. good evening. >> good evening, roberta. >> thousands of people are here tonight. tell us about this amazing tree lighting. >> so this is the 83rd time san francisco has lit the city's official tree. this tree over here is a monterey cypress. it was planted by john mclaren the park's first superintendent about 120 years ago and for the last 38 years, san franciscans have been congregating here for the holidays. >> it's a big beautiful lined tree and adorned by many lights. how many? >> 550. thanks for asking. >> you can see them from everywhere because this tree is how tall? >> the tree is, i have no idea how tall the tree is roberta. but it's one of the -- it was one of the city's oldest trees. it's about 120 years old. and john mclaren actually planted it. and it's beautiful and this is a big family-friendly event tonight and we are happy to be hosting it. >> reporter: you said something amazing and interesting to me because people have said i have been coming here since i was little